Welcome to Paradise ...
Explore More recently had the privilege to visit Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and experiencing it firsthand confirmed just how special this resort is. From the warm welcome at arrival to the breathtaking treetop views, thoughtful design details, and unforgettable dining experiences, Nekajui brings Costa Rica’s natural beauty and culture to life in a way that few properties can.
Nestled within the lush beauty of a Central American jewel lies Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Consider Nekajui your gateway to the wonders of Costa Rica. Here, luxury intertwines with nature, and unforgettable experiences are just a heartbeat away.
Explore More is part of Marriott’s STARS program. This invitation-only program allows select advisors to secure clients enhanced, personalized service and exclusive benefits when staying at select luxury hotels within the Marriott International portfolio. By booking through eligible travel advisors (like Explore More), clients receive access to exclusive perks designed to enrich their stay, ensuring every visit is both unique and memorable.
STARS Amenities & Promotions
Our hotel partnership with Marriott Luxury Group means exclusive perks for you. At Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, you will receive the following:
- Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room
- $100 USD hotel credit (once per stay)
- Early check-in and late check-out (when available)
- Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)
- STARS advisors are often privy to special rates as well.
Beyond these perks, what really sets us apart is our personal connection with the resort. I recently met with our sales contact at Nekajui and toured the property myself … walking through the casitas, crossing the suspension bridge, riding the funicular down to the beach, and even sampling the dining experiences.
These first-hand insights mean we can guide you with confidence, making sure your stay is perfectly tailored to your preferences in a way no credit card rewards travel portal can match. However, it is not just about knowing the property – it’s about knowing the people. Because of our close relationship with the team at Nekajui, I can be confident that every client we send is welcomed as a VIP.
A Sense of Place
Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are designed to offer more than luxury – they deliver a deep sense of place. Each Reserve embodies the culture, natural beauty, and heritage of its location, creating an immersive experience that connects guests to the destination in a meaningful way. Unlike traditional hotels, these properties are intimate, thoughtfully designed, and tailored to offer personalized service and authentic experiences, from the architecture and culinary offerings to the local traditions woven into every aspect of the stay. Nekajui exemplifies this philosophy, blending Costa Rica’s lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and innovative design to create a resort that feels both elevated and uniquely of its place.
Nekajui means “ lush garden” in the language of Guanacaste’s original Chorotega inhabitants and embodies a deep connection with nature. Set within Peninsula Papagayo, this destination spans 1,400 acres of untouched beauty and sapphire waters. Surrounded by the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering 400,000 acres, guests can explore this haven, home to an abundance of wildlife and over 7,000 plant species.
as you continue toward the pool, where sparkling Pochote Bay unfolds before you. On clear days, you can even glimpse Nicaragua across the water.
For guests who want to explore the beach below, the resort has ingeniously built a funicular that connects the hilltop property to the shoreline, making the descent effortless while offering stunning views along the way.
Immersive Experiences
Nekajui allows guests to truly experience what Costa Rica has to offer with ease. The resort’s Papagayo Explorers Program allows adventure and nature to unite in stunning harmony. This program invites you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the region through handpicked outdoor activities, spanning land, water, and even the captivating heights of the tree canopy. Wander through the 250-acre protected Palmares Preserve to embark on unforgettable eco-adventures that showcase the rich biodiversity of this unique area. Designed to connect you with your surroundings which includes one of the last remaining tropical dry forests on the planet, the program offers a profound appreciation for its distinctive ecosystems, ensuring your outdoor experiences are truly one-of-a-kind.
Peninsula Papagayo is known for surfing, so the Surf X program created for Nekajui provides fun and safe surf lessons by expert coaches and instructors.
Guests can also explore on their own by taking advantage of amenities such as Eco-Golf, e-bikes, resort trails, tennis, and pickleball.
Accommodations
Featuring 77 guestrooms, 27 suites, 3 unique tented suites, and 1 Grand Villa, Nekajui offers exquisite accommodations. An iconic hanging bridge connects both sides of the resort, offering panoramic vistas amid beautiful landscapes.
The Reserve Rooms allow guests to reconnect with nature with breathtaking views of the ocean and forest canopy. Guests in these rooms will enjoy a spacious bathroom, a private balcony, and many offer a plunge pool and outdoor shower.
There is a wide selection of accommodation types to include Reserve Rooms, suites, villas, and Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences – but what really sets Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve apart are their Treetop Tents including one just for families .,.
Nekajui's Treetop Family Tent
Nestled high among the lush canopy at Nekajui, the Treetop Family Tent offers an extraordinary blend of luxury and adventure. Imagine waking up to the gentle symphony of nature, where the vibrant colors of sunrise peek through the leaves, casting a warm glow throughout your elegantly appointed tent. Since I usually travel with my family, I am especially excited for these tents that are designed for families seeking a truly immersive experience. This unique accommodation boasts spacious, stylish interiors that harmonize comfort with the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica. From your elevated perch, enjoy sweeping views of the tropical landscape, while just moments away, exhilarating activities and explorations await. Whether you’re sharing stories by the crackling fire under a starlit sky or delighting in the rich biodiversity that surrounds you, the Treetop Family Tent promises an unforgettable stay that celebrates the enchantment of nature alongside the comforts of upscale living. I really think this is going to be the next “it” property for families because of this tent right here, so we need to be securing it for you sooner than later! Please contact us via our hotel booking form to start the process!
Exquisite Dining Experiences
At Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, dining is not just a meal, but a curated journey through the rich flavors and vibrant cultures of Costa Rica. The resort boasts an array of exceptional dining venues that transcend traditional culinary boundaries, each offering a unique atmosphere and exquisite menu. From the serene oceanfront restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced seafood delicacies to a chic, intimate setting showcasing innovative international cuisine, there’s something to tantalize every palate. Guests can also indulge in authentic Costa Rican dishes crafted with passion and flair, using ingredients that celebrate the bounty of the land. Across all dining experiences, the emphasis is on sustainability, artistry, and the freshest flavors, making every meal a memorable event. Whether you’re savoring a casual breakfast amid stunning views (that we can arrange for you on a complimentary basis) or a romantic dinner under the stars, Nekajui’s dining options promise an extraordinary taste journey that complements the resort’s luxurious ambiance.
Mirador is where breakfast comes with panoramic bay views, and Brisa, which feels perched directly above the water. AMBAR, high in the treetops, a favorite for sunset cocktails, while down near the beach, the lively Niri Beach Club offers another poolside setting. Niri, which means salt in the native Chorotega language, pays homage to the ocean water while offering a playful take on the traditional beach club …
which includes a fun beach bar and a pool for a refreshing dip after spending time at the beach.
And for those who love a hidden gem, there’s even a speakeasy bar called Cooper’s tucked behind a secret door and dedicated to Simon Cooper. I was able to step inside, and it truly feels like one of the resort’s best-kept secrets.
Having experienced Nekajui myself, I can honestly say it’s a resort that feels both elevated and deeply authentic – perfect for travelers who want more than just a beautiful place to stay. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in Costa Rica at its finest, let’s start planning your getaway to Nekajui with all the added perks that come from booking through Explore More.
photo credit: www.ritzcarlton.com